Adoptive Parents Support Group

The Adoptive Parents Support Group meets every first and third Saturday of the month 10:45 – 12:15 at the Newlands Therapy Centre, 20 Finsbury Ave, Newlands, Cape Town.

Cost R600 per person per month for both sessions

For more information or to book please contact Jean Luyt 082 872 0192 jean.luyt@newlandstherapycentre.co.za

Being an adoptive family

One of the biggest challenges to adoptive families and adoptees is feeling isolated and misunderstood. Finding spaces to share experiences with other adoptive families and other adoptees is the most appropriate and effective way to support adoptive families. Groups, whether social or therapeutic, offer opportunities to develop the strength of adoptive families and to face the day-to-day challenges in our personal relationships and in parenting our children.

Adoptive Parents Support Group

The Adoptive Parents Support Group is a combination of adults considering adoption, first time adoptive parents of babies, and adoptive parents with older children. It provides an opportunity to share your concerns and your triumphs and get your questions answered in a safe space with people on the same path as you.

What does it take to parent an adopted child?

It takes a village to raise a child.

Raising an adopted child requires expert parenting. Adoptive parents need to anticipate the needs of the child in relation to their adoption. In the group, we explore issues that are relevant to experiences of prospective adoptive parents and increase awareness of the complexities of raising an adopted child, particularly a transracially adopted child. In this way, the group is part of the village that supports adoptive parents to be the best parent to their children.

Facilitators:

The group is run by adoptive mother and family therapist, Jean Luyt. She is a Clinical Psychologist, with years of experience working with adoptive families.

The group is co-facilitated by adoption mentor, Thola Antamu, who was adopted transracially.

What to expect:

First time members will be assessed by Jean Luyt to see if the group is the best option for them.

Once you join the group, we meet twice a month on a Saturday morning. We will cover whatever topics feel pertinent to the group at the time, but we are likely to cover the following topics:

Demystifying the process of adoption

Helping people making the decision to adopt with all the necessary information and support.

Choosing an adoption agency/social worker

Getting both partners “on the same page”

Telling friends and family

Managing the screening process, including making choices about the adoption that are right for your family

Dealing with the difficult period of waiting for placement

Enhancing attachment

Talking to your child about adoption

Managing discipline in constructive ways

Dealing with (inappropriate) questions from family, friends and strangers

Transracial adoption

Strengthening your parenting relationships

Using celebrations or rituals to mark important adoption milestones in respectful ways

Deciding to have another child: adoptive or biological

Managing sibling relationships

Choosing the right school for your child

Dealing with racism

Answering your child’s questions in age appropriate ways

Preparing yourself and your chid if they want to meet their biological parents